Batane Dam is a General Tourist Place in Palamu

Batane Dam is a beautiful tourist destination located in Palamu district of Jharkhand, famous for natural beauty, fishing, trekking, hiking and picnic. It can be an ideal destination for your family and nature lovers.

Brief introduction of Batane Dam

Today, Batane Dam is located near Chhatarpur village in Harihar Ganj block of Palamu district of Jharkhand state. This dam was constructed in 1980. A total of 6 dams were built in this dam. Batane Dam has been constructed on Batane River.

It is located at a distance of about 44 kilometers from Palamu district headquarters. There is a rough dirt road to reach there. About Rs 4.01 crore was spent in building Batane Dam. The dam is spread over a total area of ​​about 3350 acres.

Out of which 1871.785 acres is Raiti land and the remaining 204.365 acres of land was acquired and the rest is forest department land. The length of this dam is about 2011.68 meters and height is 24.08 meters.

Here, the land acquisition officer provided about Rs 11,749.69 lakh to Medininagar for land acquisition. Each displaced family has been given 25-25 decimal land on forest land to build a house. This is a very old matter.

History of Batane Dam

The construction of Batane Dam was done before Bihar and Jharkhand were separated. This dam was constructed under the Batane Major Irrigation Project Bihar scheme. Its planning was started in the year 1975.

At that time, about Rs 4.01 crore was sanctioned for the construction of this dam and displacement of the village. Its construction work was started in 1976 as Batane Major Irrigation Project Bihar scheme. The construction of Batane Dam was completed under the 5-year plan.

This Batane Dam was completely ready in 1980. About 64.14 MCM water was provided in this dam. Many families were displaced during the construction of Batane Dam.

Some problems

According to information, for more than three decades, the displaced people have lifted and welded the gate of this dam. Due to this, rain water flows into the Batane river every year. Due to lack of irrigation, the fertile land of the area has started becoming barren.

Farmers have to face the problem of drought when there is less rainfall. The government says that there are 6 sluice gates in the dam. Out of these, 5 gates are closed. In 2002, the displaced people lifted and welded one gate demanding compensation.

Acquisition information

Land was acquired in three phases from the Raiyats of Dinadag, Bhandardih, Kauwal and Dhobidih villages of Chhattarpur block, besides Nawadih and Gulabjhari of Naudiha block. Out of 3,350 acres of land, 1871.785 acres is Raiti land.

Out of which the remaining 204.365 acres of land had been acquired. For the acquisition of the remaining land, Rs 11,749.69 lakh was made available to the Special Land Acquisition Officer, North Koel Project, Medininagar.

Displaced

According to the information of 2023, about 39 displaced families have been given 25-25 decimil land on forest land at the Mandar rehabilitation site. However, the forest department has not yet transferred the land. This is a very old matter.

Action is being taken to get the forest lease of the land to the displaced by establishing coordination with the forest department. According to the forest department, the process of acquiring the remaining 204.365 acres of land of six villages of the submerged area and paying compensation to the landholders is going on.

It has also been assured that as per clause 9.2 of Jharkhand Revised Rehabilitation Policy, 2012, priority will be given to the displaced in appointment against the approved vacant force. However, the department did not clarify when this scheme would be completed.

Due to the pending of this scheme, the irrigation system of about seven blocks of Palamu and Aurangabad in Bihar is getting affected. On top of that, the villagers who are waiting for compensation have welded the gate of the reservoir. Due to this, water is flowing into the Batane river.

Assurance

However, during elections, MLAs, MPs and leaders of all political parties have been assuring that water will reach the farmers’ fields by closing the dam gate. This becomes an election issue every time.

But the notice under Section 37(2) of the Land Acquisition Act 2013 has been served thrice at the level of the Special Land Acquisition Officer to get compensation for 204.365 acres of land.

At present, payment for Navadih and Gulabjhari under Naudih Bazaar Zone is going on. Payment will be made when the landownership genealogy certificate and other revenue papers are submitted by the Raiyats belonging to four villages of Chhattarpur Zone.

Purpose of Batane Dam Construction

The main purpose of building this dam was to produce electricity. But there is no hydraulic system of any kind here. Electricity is not produced from this dam. In summers, the water level in this dam goes down a lot. There is no canal from this dam to any other place for agriculture or other purposes.

Investigation by the Mukhiya

In the year 2022, the Mukhiya and villagers of Laxmipur Panchayat of Naudiha block of Chhatarpur, Palamu district submitted a memorandum to Chhatarpur area MLA Pushpa Devi demanding the demolition of the gate of Batane Dam.

The main reason for this was that the water level in the dam was decreasing day by day. Due to which the local farmers were facing water problem. In this case, the Mukhiya and the villagers said that after checking the list of more than 100 displaced people, it was found that the displaced families here are facing many problems.

As the compensation for the authorized land should be given in one go. The soil of the dam should be cut to meet the requirement of soil for kutcha roads and paved roads to connect the way from the village to the city in the coastal areas of the submerged area of ​​​​the Batane reservoir.

Apart from this, embankment should be constructed in the coastal area of ​​​​the dam. Genealogy should be issued from the Anchal Adhikari for the affected families. In this regard, MLA Pushpa Devi is continuously raising her voice in the House.

Geographic location of Batane Dam

The geographical location of Batane Dam in Palamu district is situated on the border of Chhatarpur and Hariharganj in Jharkhand state. It can be reached by road with little difficulty. That is to say, the road leading to Batane Dam is unpaved and rough.

There is almost no facility of bus or other transport here. One can easily reach here by car and bike. This dam is mainly surrounded by the borders of Batane, Dhobidih, Gosain Dih, Bandhu Dih, Bhandardi, Navadi and Gulaabjhari area.

There is no facility for tourists here except picnic. Local people come to this Batane Dam on normal days. On some special occasions like 1st January, people from the local city and village come to celebrate picnic around this dam.

Size and structure of the reservoir

Bataane Dam is spread over an area of ​​about 3350 acres. Out of which 1871.785 acres is raiti land and the remaining 204.365 acres of land was acquired and the rest is forest department land.

The length of this dam is about 2011.68 meters and height is 24.08 meters. The area of ​​Bataane Dam is spread over about 13.55 square kilometers.

Water management and irrigation

Water collection in Bataane Dam The water flowing from the jungles and mountains around here from the source of rain collects in this dam. During summers, the water level in this dam goes down considerably. Which also creates problems for irrigation work.

A canal was constructed here for irrigation, but due to the water level going down, the canal also dries up. It is said that there are 6 gates, but water is released into the river from only one of those gates. Which provides irrigation facility for animals and birds and other farms located on the banks of the river.

But other farmers face water problem. There is no problem of water during rainy days. At that time rain water is used. Fed up with this problem, local villagers have welded the gate of the dam to keep it open all the time. Due to which water is being drained throughout the year. This is also a reason for the decrease in the water level.

Energy production and hydroelectric project

At the beginning of the construction of the dam, its main purpose was to produce electricity from water. But there is no hydraulic system of any kind here. Electricity is not produced from it. The main reason for this is that the water level in Batane Dam decreases a lot during the summer season.

Which is the biggest problem for electricity production. For electricity production, continuous flow of water is necessary, or there should be ample amount of water available, only then electricity can be produced from the hydraulic system.

Aquatic life and biodiversity in Batane Dam

Many types of birds can be seen in Batane Dam. There are many mountains and forests around the dam. There can be many types of wild animals here. Which survive on the water of this dam. There is a facility of fish farming in this dam.

Fishing can be done here. Many local people are earning their livelihood and feeding their families by farming fish in this dam. Many people will be found selling fish from this dam in the local market here.

Environmental effects of Batane Dam

In fact, the construction of Batane Dam has affected the most raiyat and forest land areas. Due to which many villages were displaced and many forest areas including many trees and plants were submerged by the water of this dam.

Due to which there must have been some effect on the environment here. There must have been some effect on the environment here. But the forest department here planted many trees on the barren land around the dam where there were no trees.

Due to which the environment here has been balanced. And the process of planting trees is going on in the coming time. Here all the trees have been planted in a row on the banks of the dam. Which looks very beautiful.

Major attractions for tourism

• Natural beauty: The natural beauty around Batane Dam is very good. The calm atmosphere here calms the mind.
• Picnic spot: There are many picnic spots near the river bank and the dam premises. Most of the local people come here to picnic.
• Water activities: Here the water of the dam appears calm and green. The water of the dam is spread far and wide. Its beauty is captivating.
• Local culture: People of many types of tribal communities live in the villages around the dam. This tribe is known for its customs and traditions. Its culture can be seen in its festivals every year.
• Tunnel canal: There is a very deep tunnel like a well located on the edge of the dam’s gate. From which water flows out from other places and goes into the canal. People believe that if someone falls in the tunnel, then it is difficult to save him.
• Dam gate: The gate of the dam is the main attraction here. Tourists come to see this.
• Fishing: Fishing is done here with the help of net. If you want, you can bring fishing sticks for fishing here.
• Fatak Ki Jharna: The gate below and behind the gate is always open. Due to which a very beautiful waterfall is always formed. People bathe in this waterfall.
• Forest, Mountains, Valleys: The view around here is very beautiful. The forest, mountains and valleys here captivate the mind when seen from a distance.
• Local Market: Many types of unique things can be seen in the local market around the dam. Which are used by the local people here.

Trekking routes around Batane Dam

The road to Batane Dam is a bit bad, so if you go by bike, it will be fun. But if you go here by bus or tempo, then the fun can be spoiled. Here you can do camping, trekking and hiking near the dam.

Apart from this, you can have a picnic. A very good view is available for photography. Where good photos can be taken. Actually, if seen from a bike, all the routes here are best for trekking and hiking.

Batane Dam for photography and videography

There are many places in the dam for photography and videography, where you get a very good view after taking photos. There are many beautiful places around the gate, canal, river, picnic spot, waterfall, hill and forest.

No one forbids anyone from photography here. You can take photos keeping your safety in mind. The best time for photography is between September and February. The view of sunrise here in the morning looks very beautiful.

Picnic spots in Batane Dam

Batane Dam has suitable places for picnic and spending time with family. You can go here with your children and family. Local people come here to enjoy picnics mostly in the month of January.

At that time, many places of the dam are filled with people to enjoy picnics. Clean place is available for picnics. Entertainment activities are not available for children at Batane Dam.

Best time to visit Batane Dam

Although very few tourists come here to visit Batane Dam on normal days, but on some special occasions, crowds can be seen in the dam premises. The best season to visit here is during spring and from October to February. The morning view in this dam looks very beautiful.

Means of reaching Batane Dam

Palamu district can be reached by rail, road and air. The nearest airport is Ranchi.

By Air

The nearest Airport is Ranchi 165 km away from Medininagar, Palamu.

By Train

Railway station Near by Palamu district is Daltonganj (DTO) approximately 1KM apart from district headquarter. Daltonganj station is double broad-gauge railway lines. Multiple passenger and express trains runs daily.

Daltonganj station is under the administration of Dhanbad Division of the East Central railway zone of Indian Railways. There is a direct train service daily from Daltonganj to New Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi and Patna.

By Road

• Palamu district is connected to Ranchi in Jharkhand by NH75 165 KM.
• Ranchi (Jharkhand) to Daltonganj – 4 Hrs. (165 KM) via NH75
• Patna (Bihar) to Daltonganj – 6 Hrs. (260 Km) via NH139 and SH4
• Ambikapur (Chhatishgarh) to Daltonganj – 5 Hrs. (200 Km) via NH343 and NH39
• Varanashi (Uttar Pradesh) to Daltonganj – 6 Hrs. (260 Km) via NH39 and SH5A

The distance from Palamu to Batane Dam is approximately 44 km. It can be reached only by road.

Other tourist places near Palamu district and Batane Dam

• Batane Dam
• Bhim Chulha
• Koyal and Amanadi Milan Sthan – Singra
• Kund Waterfalls Palamu
• Koyal River Fronts Tourist Spots
• Shahpur Fort Palamu
• Malay Dam Palamu
• Kusumdaha Temple Complex
• Kechki Sangam Place
• Chiyanki Hill and Park
• Betla National Park
• Mirchiya Waterfalls
• Suga Bandh Waterfalls

Facility for tourists

There is no hotel or restaurant available near the dam. There is no facility for overnight stay either. Before going here, make sure to carry food items with you.

There is a local market at a distance of about 2 to 4 kilometers from the dam, where food and drink facilities are available. Apart from this, all facilities are available in Palamu district.

Plan for the development of Batane Dam and future plans

The Jharkhand government is paying special attention to the regulation of the dam and the development of aquaculture, lift irrigation from the reservoir without affecting life and the development of tourism/recreational activities in the reservoir.

In the last few years, there is talk of development of this dam, but no development work of any kind has been seen. Even the way to reach here is not good. In many places there is no road at all. This dam can be reached through a dirt road.

The government here is emphasizing on development here. Which can be seen in the coming days. For development both the Governments of Bihar and Jharkhand have agreed that the construction, operation.

And maintenance of remaining works of common components of Batane Reservoir Project shall be carried out under the overall guidance of two tier committees constituted for the purpose and the benefits derived therefrom may be shared between the States of Bihar and Jharkhand.

General Questions on Batane Dam